understandings

"where you invest your love you invest your life" mumford and sons


well i think it's about time i filled y'all (just kidding the south hasn't converted me just yet) in with what exactly i'm doing at my placements this year...as some of you know i'll be serving at two different sites..global maritime ministries and mid city ministries...

global maritime ministries
the port of new orleans is the center of the world's busiest port complex..approximtely 6,000 ocean vessels annually move through new orleans on the mississippi river..while more than 700,000 passengers sail through on cruise ships each year..the organization serves international seafarers from more than 70 countries and port related personnel....i'll be getting the opportunity to meet with countless individuals around the world hearing and sharing stories and experiences..this ministry strives to meet the spiritual..emotional..and physical needs of seafarers and maritime workers through bible studies..prayer times..while also offering a place for counseling..encouragement..and christian fellowship..


mid city ministries
louisiana is currently the 49th worst state in the country in which to raise a child..in order to do their part in improving the education aspect of this..the organization offers an after school tutoring program..which i will specifically be working with the kindergarten students..i will also helping at a "sister" church in hollygrove with their after school tutoring program..and assisting at a local charter school where i'll be doing one on one tutoring with 2nd graders..along with my tutoring responsibilities i'll be mentoring one or two children..as well as leading bible studies every wednesday nights with the youth in the church..

i'm happy to report my first few weeks of work have been wonderful..a bit slow at first..but quickly picking up..and i'm ready to dive in head first..

and in case you're in a musical mood today..i attached a video or two of jon cleary..his next gig is at the sydney opera house performing for a sold out crowd..enough said...a few of my roommates and i went out yesterday for a lovely new orleans style night..beginning with jaw dropping live music and ending with tasty beignets from none other than cafe du monde..

and if that doesn't strike your fancy...

peace & love

jillian



curiosities

just if any of you are interested..attached is a link i thought was pretty eye opening..

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-quigley/katrina-pain-index-2011-r_b_932822.html?ref=fb&src=sp

peace & love

Jillian

ponderings

i believe..

that spending an afternoon under a tree is just about the most relaxing thing to do..
      (audubon park is perfection to say the least)

that reading handwritten letters will always put a smile on my face..

in being a regular at a local coffee shop..
      (still in search of my perfect nook)

in beauty coming from destruction..

that an unexpectant smile can turn an entire day around..

in beautiful trees lining sidewalks and parks..
      (which can be spotted just about everywhere in this city)

in strangers becoming friends..

and i believe in having a tremendous amount of hope in even the smallest things you do..

"too often we under-estimate the power of a touch..a smile..a kind word..a listening ear..an honest compliment..or the smallest act of caring..all of which have potential to turn a life around" leo buscaglia

peace & love

jillian

orientation musings

I recently returned to NOLA from spending the week in Stony Point, NY for YAV orientation..the week was full of seminars..group discussions.. and one of my favorite things..laughter...learning about globalization, culture shock, and many other issues dealing with mission work was beneficial for preparing for my upcoming year and work that I hope to do in the future..but I must say the thing that stuck with me the most is the individuals I was surrounded by that week..hearing story after story of different YAV alum's experiences was thought provoking to say the least...by spending my time with numerious other YAVs serving their year nationally and internationally I consider myself blessed to have met such an inspiring group of people..it was comforting to be in a place where I was encompassed with such love and adoration for helping others..so while keeping me in your thoughts and prayers I hope we can all take in the larger picture and also include those around the world..since it is often a small world we live in..

"the most valuable places to be in the world..are in someone's thoughts..in someone's prayers..and in someone's heart.."

peace & love

jillian